darjeeling MARCH 8: Last year a major fire had ravaged one of the same business thoroughfares of Darjeeling Town and today at around 12 noon once again it has occurred on the opposite side of the same area. The fire was reported at H.D. Lama Road which brought 16 business establishments and homes to ashes in which at least around 10 families have been left homeless. Presently the homeless has been given assistance by the Marwari Sahayak Samiti who has put them in relief camps.

 It was reported that the fire started from a wooden house which stood on the top floor of a business establishment which immediately engulfed other establishments in the area before it could be controlled. Sources said that the fire first started from the puja room of the wooden structure ignited by a lighted “Diyo”. 

The fire totally destroyed several clothes business establishments and a hotel along with homes. Darjeeling fire tender and the locals together tried to douse the fire and the army fire brigade was reached the spot to provide help.

 The Kurseong, Kalimpong and Bijanbari fire tenders had also been called. Darjeeling municipality, vice chairman, R. Biswakarma said that after hard efforts of around three hours the fire was finally put under control. Damage worth 4.5 crores has been estimated. However there has been no reports of any human casualty.